Ontario’s Government Supporting Compassionate End-Of-Life Care

Ontario’s Government Supporting Compassionate End-Of-Life CareHelping more people get end-of-life care in a home-like setting

Queen’s Park — Ontario’s is providing more people in Simcoe North with the compassionate care they deserve when nearing the end of their lives. Yesterday, the government announced they would be moving forward with plans to build 5 new hospice beds for Mariposa House Hospice and 5 news beds for Hospice Huronia.

MPP Jill Dunlop was thrilled with the news that two hospices in her riding were receiving the funding. “I believe everyone should have access to dignified end-of-life care that respects the wishes of the patient and their loved ones,” said MPP Jill Dunlop. “This is exciting news for our community as I know there have been so many of us involved, working hard to see this funding come to Simcoe North. I am proud our government is committed to improving access to comfortable, end-of-life care in communities across the province.”

Hospices provide patients with palliative care in a comfortable space, where they can be close to loved ones. In this environment, family and friends can have peace of mind knowing that patients will have access to appropriate end-of-life care. Hospice care focuses on relieving suffering and providing services like psychological, spiritual and bereavement support.

“Building new hospice beds across Ontario will provide people with end-of-life care and support in a more comfortable setting,” said Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Christine Elliott. “With early investments like these, our government is ensuring that these patients are provided with the proper comfort, dignity and respect they deserve. This will also help to make more beds available for those who need hospital care. Our government is moving forward quickly to address challenges facing the health care system as we develop our long-term transformational health care strategy.”

Ontario is investing nearly $36.6 million to build 193 new hospice beds across the province. When these beds open, the government will provide $20.3 million each year in operational funding for nursing, personal support, and other services. Our government is investing an additional $90 million in 2018-19 to build 1,100 beds and spaces in hospitals and the community, including 640 new beds and spaces.

“Our government is increasing access to hospice beds across the province, by providing appropriate end-of-life care for those who need it,” said Parliamentary Assistant for Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (Long-Term Care) Effie Triantafilopoulos. “This investment is also helping to address hallway health care, by ensuring more hospital beds remain available for those in need of acute care. We’re creating more beds and spaces to alleviate the pressures on our health care system.”